Remake vs. Retake — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
A remake is the recreation of an existing work, usually a film or song, often with modern changes, while a retake is the repetition of a shot or scene during filming to improve quality.
Difference Between Remake and Retake
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A remake refers to recreating an existing work, like a film or song, with updates or changes to reflect modern tastes. A retake, on the other hand, involves re-recording a scene or shot during production to correct mistakes or improve quality.
Remakes often involve substantial creative changes, updating a classic story or idea with new actors, technology, or interpretations. Retakes are more technical, involving repeated filming of the same material to achieve the desired quality.
Remakes can span different generations or cultures, like adapting a foreign film for an American audience. Retakes are specific to the same production, repeating a particular scene until it's perfected.
In the context of video games, a remake could completely overhaul graphics and gameplay, whereas a retake isn't applicable since it relates specifically to filming and not game development.
While remakes might receive mixed opinions due to their creative reinterpretation, retakes are often unseen by audiences, as they're part of the editing process to ensure smooth storytelling.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Re-creation of an existing work
Re-filming a scene or shot
Application
Films, songs, video games
Movies, TV shows
Timing
Post-release of original work
During initial production
Purpose
Creative reinterpretation
Correcting mistakes, quality control
Audience Perception
Varied (based on creative changes)
Not directly visible to the audience
Compare with Definitions
Remake
Recreating a film with modern elements.
The studio announced plans for a remake of the 1980s classic.
Retake
Re-filming a scene during a movie or TV production.
The director asked for a retake to fix the lighting.
Remake
Any updated version of a previous work.
The theater group put on a remake of Shakespeare's play.
Retake
A repeated photographic shot.
They ordered a retake of the class photo.
Remake
A version of an older song recorded by a new artist.
She released a remake of the 1960s hit.
Retake
A reshot segment of a commercial or video.
The crew did a quick retake due to a technical error.
Remake
A reimagined version of an existing video game.
Fans are excited about the remake of the beloved RPG.
Retake
Correcting errors in audio or dialogue.
The actor did a retake of his voiceover to fix a mispronunciation.
Remake
New adaptations of previous TV shows.
Producers developed a remake of the cult favorite series.
Retake
Reshooting a scene to adjust the actor's performance.
The actress requested a retake to deliver her lines more naturally.
Remake
A remake is a production of a film, television series, video game, or similar form of entertainment that is based upon an earlier production. A remake tells the same story as the original but uses a different cast and may alter the theme, perhaps to a different cultural context - either in geography or time.
Retake
To take back or again.
Remake
To make again or anew.
Retake
To recapture.
Remake
The act of remaking.
Retake
To photograph, film, or record again.
Remake
Something in remade form, especially a new version of an earlier movie or song.
Retake
A taking again.
Remake
(transitive) To make again.
You'll need to remake that cake, as it's completely burned.
Retake
The act or an instance of photographing, filming, or recording again.
Remake
(transitive) To make a new, especially updated, version of (a film, video game, etc.).
The director wanted to remake some of his favourite films from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Retake
To take something again.
Remake
A new version of something.
Retake
To take something back.
Remake
A new, especially updated, version of a film, video game, etc.
I haven't seen the original film, but the remake was great.
Retake
To capture or occupy somewhere again.
The army tried repeatedly to retake the fort they had been driven from.
Remake
To make anew.
Retake
To photograph or film again.
Remake
Creation that is created again or anew;
It is a remake of an old film
Retake
A scene that is filmed again, or a picture that is photographed again
Remake
Make new;
She is remaking her image
Retake
An instance of resitting an examination
Retake
To take or receive again.
Retake
To take from a captor; to recapture; as, to retake a ship or prisoners.
Retake
A shot or scene that is photographed again
Retake
Take back by force, as after a battle;
The military forces managed to recapture the fort
Retake
Capture again;
Recapture the escaped prisoner
Retake
Photograph again;
Please retake that scene
Common Curiosities
How are retakes managed in TV production?
Retakes are typically scheduled quickly to minimize delays, often right after reviewing the initial shot.
Do retakes delay production schedules?
They can, but are necessary to ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
Can a remake and a retake occur simultaneously?
Not really. A remake refers to recreating an entire work, whereas a retake only involves a single scene during production.
Can a remake be considered an original work?
It's usually seen as a reinterpretation or adaptation rather than completely original.
Why are remakes often criticized?
Critics feel remakes sometimes lack originality and don't live up to the legacy of the original.
Are remakes specific to a particular genre?
No, remakes occur across genres, from horror films to romantic comedies.
What's the main advantage of remakes for studios?
They capitalize on familiar stories or titles, reducing financial risk due to existing fan bases.
Are retakes typically used in independent films?
Yes, despite smaller budgets, independent filmmakers also use retakes for quality control.
What is the role of the director in managing retakes?
Directors guide retakes to ensure the final shot matches their vision.
Is a remake always faithful to the original?
No, remakes often reinterpret or modernize the original story, sometimes changing it significantly.
Why do filmmakers prefer retakes over editing fixes?
Re-filming ensures the best visual and audio quality rather than trying to fix problems digitally.
Can remakes sometimes surpass the original in quality?
Yes, some remakes are considered superior to the originals due to improved storytelling or production values.
Do actors usually prefer retakes?
Opinions vary, but some actors see retakes as opportunities to improve their performance.
Can remakes introduce new plot elements not found in the original?
Yes, remakes sometimes add new subplots or characters to differentiate themselves.
How do audiences receive remakes compared to originals?
It depends on the quality and creativity of the remake, but comparisons to the original are inevitable.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
